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We glance across the Irish Sea this week to get a feel for England ahead of the friendly against Ireland this week - Dan Kilpatrick (@Dan_KP) from the Evening Standard joins us for a full lowdown on the England squad, Gareth Southgate's future beyond Euro 2021, the best attacking options, where Jack Grealish fits into the equation, Declan Rice's place in the side, the plethora of full backs in contention for selection, the goalkeeper conundrum and some of the wildcards knocking on the door. Before that, the lads discuss the Manchester City and Liverpool game from the weekend, why Manchester United’s away form is so good and how Ireland are shaping up with the now-retired David McGoldrick not in the team.𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧ǔ

It's a double header line-up on this week's podcast - first up, Conor Clancy (@ConJClancy) from Forza Italian Football talks us through the opening few weeks of the Serie A season, the ageless wonder of Zlatan, why Andrea Pirlo may not be the right choice at Juventus, Gattuso's Napoli and why Sassuolo and Atalanta are a whole pile of fun to watch. (26m)We're also joined by James Pendleton (@jpends_) to discuss Everton's start to the season. We touch on Ancelotti, the fantastic business in the summer, the rise of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and fall of Jordan Pickford and why Seamus Coleman is such a club legend. (49m)Before all that, the lads talk about Diogo Jota's immediate impact at Liverpool, the sustainability of coming from behind, Pogba's form at United and Phil compares Arsenal to Jim McGuinness' Donegal...𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫&

We're joined by Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns) this week to discuss Leeds' rise back to the Premier League under the eccentric genius of Marcelo Bielsa. We touch on what he's changed at the club, the roles of Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips and why he should hopefully stick around for another few years (from 24m).With the League of Ireland winding down, Dylan O'Connell (@JudgeDyl) comes on to tell us all about Cork City's fall from grace after their relegation from the Premier Division, the financial difficulties which sees it soon to be sold to the ownership group over Preston North End, Shamrock Rovers' title victory and their structure in place for continued success and Dundalk's bizarre season juggling dreadful league form and behind the scenes drama amidst a European campaign (from 45m)In the opening preamble, Kevin, Enda and Phil discuss the inconsistency around the title chase and some of the top six's problems in what could shape up to be a mental title race.𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚

We're joined on this week's podcast by Omar from the Villa Talks podcast (@VillaPodcast) to talk about Villa's fantastic start to the season - we chat about their transfer business, the arrival of Ross Barkley, why Jack Grealish is their best Premier League since Dwight Yorke, moving on from Tony Xia and why the extremely likeable Dean Smith is doing such a great job (42 mins).Before all that, the lads chat about the Merseyside Derby and how Liverpool can survive without Van Dijk. We also take a look at some more whacky results sending the league into a path we haven't seen in a long time and why Petr Cech has somehow ended up in Chelsea's squad for the season. We also take a look at the mooted European Super League and how that may work and why it's spearheaded by clubs with owners embedded in US sport.𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫ǔ

What a busy week of Irish football - a play-off defeat, COVID-19 chaos, airplane seat controversy, Bossman Steo, some decent performances, a marked improvement in the style of play and a goalless drought that is sure to leave people firmly on the fence when it comes to Stephen Kenny's new look Ireland.Kevin, Enda and Phil discuss the mostly good, some of the bad, how things are phased going forward, Mick McCarthy's commentary styles and touch on the U-21's defeat to Italy. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰.‎‎‎‎‎‎Contact: editor@backp

We chat to Ger Deegan (@GerraDeegan) this week about everything Manchester City, including fan's frustrations, the defensive frailties after millions spent, the Pep exhaustion theory as we enter year five of his reign, life after Mikel Arteta, the Rodri Role, Joe Hodge, the lack of a Plan B or a #9 and much more. (from 40:00)Before all that, Kevin is joined by Phil and Enda to recap the Champions League draw, lament VAR and the handball rules that have skyrocketed the amount of penaties in the Premier League, and chat about some of the transfers that may or may not happen before Tuesday's deadline.𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 &#

𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 chatting to Seville-based Corkman Alan Feehely (@azulfeehely) about everything going on in La Liga this year including Real Madrid's business, or lackthereof, and how they're set up to defend their title, all the while chaos consumes Barcelona with Leo Messi staying but turnover aplenty including in the dugout. We also consider Atletico Madrid's chances under the ultra intense Diego Simeone and look at some of the dark horses in the pack - as well as why Iago Aspas is the Messi of the lower half of the table (from 30:00).‎In part 1, Kevin is joined by Enda and Phil to discuss the past week in the Premier League including Liverpool's unexpected burst of activity in the transfer window, Chelsea's problems in goals and Lampard's approach that could prove costly as the season goes on. And we also chat ab

It's a massive weekend in the realm of women's soccer as Ireland meet Germany in Euro 2022 qualification, we're joined by ESPN's Kathleen McNamee (@kathleen_mcn)to talk about the daunting task at hand and how Ireland are shaping up under Vera Pauw. (12:00)We also chat to Dan Kilpatrick of the Evening Standard (@Dan_KP) to chat about Tottenham's recent exploits, including the imminent return of Gareth Bale to the club and the finances involved, the mood around the club to Jose Mourinho's divisive methods and how their new signings, including Matt Doherty, could all fit together. We also talk about USWNT superstar Alex Morgan's arrival at White Hart Lane as Tottenham enhance their brand with one of America's biggest names.Before all that, Kevin is joined by Phil Greene and Enda Higgins to rave about Thiago's transfer to Liverpool.Contact: editor@backpagefootball / Twitter @bpfootball / Host: Kevin Coleman (@kvn_clmn) with Phil Greene (@iampgreene) and Enda Higgins (@endahiggins88. See acast.com/privacy for priv

This week Kevin is joined by Cian Fahey (@cianaf) and Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns) to discuss Ireland's first two games under Stephen Kenny. We talk about everything from the defensive conundrum with Shane Duffy and John Egan while Dara O'Shea waits in the wings to pounce, to the impressive Aaron Connolly and how he is being moulded into a role for years to come, but also why we can just play him anywhere.We also talk about the performances of Callum O'Dowda, Adam Idah's impress debut all things considered, the old Matt Doherty v Seamus Coleman chestnut, the midfield mash-up going forward and the combination that could get selected for Slovakia, and wax lyrical on the very, very bright future for Troy Parrott. Contact: editor@backpagefootball / Twitter @bpfootball / Host: Kevin Coleman (@kvn_clmn) with Phil Greene (@iampgreene) and Cian Carroll (@CianByNature). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hail, the Stephen Kenny era is finally here! Unfortunately that doesn't mean boring old FAI governance chat has been eradicated just yet, but we leave that til last in our chat with The42.ie journalist Gavin Cooney (@gcooney93)where we discuss Kenny's first proper week in charge, his blend of young and old in his first squad, Matt Doherty's transfer to Spurs and why Michael Obafemi's exclusion isn't a saga... yet 🤔😂 (from 26:00)Before all that, Kevin, Cian and Phil get the band back together for the new season and chat about what the hell is going on at Barcelona, Matt Doherty taking the step-ish up to Spurs, and Cian fills us in on the turmoil at Dundalk.Contact: editor@backpagefootball / Twitter @bpfootball / Host: Kevin Coleman (@kvn_clmn) with Phil Greene (@iampgreene) and Cian Carroll (@CianByNature). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With football grinding to a halt, the news turns to if, when and how leagues will reconvene their 2019/20 seasons - or just do what the Eredivisie did and simply pull the plug on their season, with the title still up for grabs. Michael Bell of Football-Oranje.com joins the podcast to talk about the fallout from that, and why ADO Den Haag are delighted to see the back of Alan Pardew (26:00)We're then joined by Robbie Dunne to tell us about the legendary voice of Spanish football Michael Robinson, who sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer. The former Ireland and Liverpool player went on to be Spain's forefront voice of football and was loved country-wide, leaving behind a major foot print on the country (41:00) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

So the Succession Plan is complete, prematurely with the cancellation of Euro 2020 and Mick McCarthy's good intentions of leading Ireland into an international campaign, Stephen Kenny will take the reigns earlier than anticipated and when we embark on a corona-free world will aim to take Ireland and his Kids to the Euros in 2021 and beyond.To discuss all the ramification and fallout from the decision by the FAI, Kevin and Phil are joined by Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns) and Kevin Higgins (@KennysKids) - and cover all the bases, including Mick's legacy, Kenny's new backroom staff, the future of Robbie Keane, who of the current squad still has a part to play and a thorough deep dive into some of the new names we might be hearing more of when Kenny eventually takes the reigns. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're joined by Kevin Higgins of @KennysKids, the social media resource provide invaluable updates and information on the range of Irish players in action across the world. We chat about Troy Parrott's future at Spurs, Callum Robinson's move back to the Championship, Conor Ronan's transfer to Blackpool, as well as the likes of Jason Knight, Jason Molumby and a whole host of others who'll be knocking on Kenny's door when he takes the reigns of the Irish national team(33:00 mins)Elsewhere, we discuss Jurgen Klopp's decision to abandon Liverpool's FA Cup replay with Shrewbury, take a look at Aston Villa's heroics with a beaming Cian and Phil provides an All Island League update, where progress is slowly being made towards a cross-border league. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's show the lads are joined by Art de Roché (@ArtdeRoche) of Football.London to chat about Arsenal and their season so far, and why Mikel Arteta is likely to become the new manager there after Unai Emery's departure, and Freddie Ljungberg's failure to steady the ship.In part one, the lads chat about Liverpool and their impressive form in the midst of rotation ahead of their World Club Cup jaunt in Qatar. Is it really their year?! And we discuss Manchester City and the future of Pep Guardiola and if Kevin de Bruyne is papering over the cracks there as they chase the tails of Liverpool. We also discuss Duncan Ferguson's odd mismanagement of Moise Kean. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we preview the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton with Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal. The neighbouring clubs couldn't be further apart in terms of form this season, with Liverpool leading the league and Everton dwelling around the relegation zone. We cover Liverpool's busy Christmas period, the loss of Fabinho, Seamus Coleman's future and why we all want him to win, the possibility of David Moyes returning to Goodison Park, Liverpool's January transfer business and why despite each club's form, the Derby is bound to be close. (29:30)Before all that, the lads chat about Leicester and wonder if they're genuine title contenders, the future at Arsenal and if Freddie Ljunberg can suit up in a full time manager's role, and Cian explains why Eddie Howe shouldn't be in mentioned for a big job just yet. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The lads are joined by Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns) of Pundit Arena to unpack everything after an encouraging but ultimately disappointing night at the Aviva Stadium with Ireland's 1-1 draw against the Danes leaving them in a play-off situation next March.There's loads of topics covered, including the impact of Matt Doherty and his partnership with Alan Browne, Jeff Hendrick's off-colour night in the #10 role and who could take up the position going forward - Jack Byrne?! We glow over the immense David McGoldrick, discuss Glenn Whelan's unfair criticism, chat about some of the U21s who could make an immediate impact, and why Aaron Connolly is the real bright spark in Ireland's future. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After 41:00, the lads chat to the BBC's Patrick Jennings (@pr_jennings) about the rise of Kosovo's national football team. Having played their first official competitive game as recently as 2016, they're on the brink of Euro 2020 qualification with games coming up this week against Czech Republic and England. We talk about their status as a UEFA nation, the big name Kosovan descendants who could've switched allegiance, their position for the future amongst the ultra competitive Balkan countries, and why a result against England wouldn't be that much of a surprise.Elsewhere, the lads recap the massive game between Manchester City and Liverpool at the weekend, Gini Wijnaldum's big game balls, Pep Guardiola's lack of faith in his squad and baffling team selections, and arise Sir Jordan Henderson, the great peacemaker. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

German football journalist Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) joins the show from Signal Iduna Park to discuss Bayern Munich and Nico Kovac's decision to part ways after just over a year in charge. We discuss the potential replacements, why Jose Mourinho might go to Dortmund rather than Bayern, Julian Nagelsmann's rapid rise and success with RB Leipzig, and preview this weekend's massive match between Bayern and Dortmund (38mins).In part one, the lads chat about Liverpool's comeback win over Aston Villa, the Villa stars ripe for plucking, Liverpool's Lallana #6 experiment, more VAR fun and games, and round-up the FAI Cup Final and the Alan Mannus non-story. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We chat to Gavin McLaughlin (@DundalkSport) about Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers ahead of their mammoth FAI Cup Final on Sunday afternoon at the Aviva - including how Dundalk have transitioned to Vinny Perth after Stephen Kenny left and if Irish football NEEDS Rovers to win this. Also, Gavin talks a little bit about the mooted All-Island League and whether it will be good for Irish football on both sides of the border.Before all that, the lads chat about Leicester's stunning 9-0 win over Southamption and if they're indeed the real deal, Granit Xhaka and Arsenal fans, Spurs' strange set-up against Liverpool, and if Pep Lijnders is the smiley successor to Jurgen Klopp. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's show, the lads chat to Gary Bierton from the brilliant retro jersey warehouse Classic Football Shirts about their evolution from spare room business to the one stop shop home for retro and nostalgic football shirts, ahead of their visit to Dublin from the 5th to the 10th of November.Before all that, the lads unpack the 1-1 draw between Manchester United and Liverpool which didn't go to the gameplan many had expected, in the midst of some VAR controversy and a hugely improved performance from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.